2002 P5 gas mileage issues

[Mad Hatter]

OT, I guess Schoepp had a white, manual too. My friend is buying it tomorrow.

 

[mogi]

The red one Schoepp had was bad news, I looked at it, definitely been modded and had heavy work done to it. (Edit: to clarify, the red manual, not auto)

Find a no ethanol station for sure. I noticed a huge difference when I started filling up with ethanol free gas this winter (was getting like 22mpg), now I'm back up to 25-26. Also, if you don't have maintence records, I'd recommend doing a tranny flush when you get a chance. I did mine around 40k with Amsoil synthetic and it has been shifting smoother. My gas mileage may have improved, but not extremely noticable. I'd try the Phillips 66 on parmenter (old 12 near schoepp).

I have a brand new Purolator drop in filter if you want it, I have a CAI waiting to be installed, so it won't get any use in my closet.

 

[pasadena_commut]

Find a no ethanol station for sure. I noticed a huge difference when I started filling up with ethanol free gas this winter (was getting like 22mpg), now I'm back up to 25-26.

No EtOH is not really an option in LA.

In any case the difference in energy when burned between pure gasoline and 10%EtOH/90% gasoline isn't enough to account for the OP's cruddy gas mileage. This site http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/papers/misc/energy_conv.html lists the energy content of various fuels and shows.

Gasoline: 32 MJ/liter, Ethanol: 21.1 MJ/liter

The amount of energy per gallon at 10% EtOH/90% gasoline is: 21.1*.1+32*.9 = 30.9MJ/liter. So if energy content was the whole effect, and a car managed 25mpg on pure gasoline, then it would still do 24.1mpg on the EtOH/gas mix. That's a long way from 17mpg. I'm with the other posters: change the plugs, filters, and oil, check the tire pressure and alignment, and make sure the brakes aren't dragging. If that doesn't fix it take it to a shop you trust because there's something broken.

 

[protofish]

I just got done changing the plugs. They looked like s***, see pics. Schoepp changed the oil and the air filter. Tire pressure is good. I'm sure the alignment is on. Are the brakes that much of an issue with this car? I have noticed that when I let off of the gas, it slows down quicker than what I'm used to in an auto. I think this is how it is geared?

btw, I saw that white p5 on the way to checker today. nice car from the driveby

 

[mogi]

pasadena_commut, ethanol isn't the only factor, other cleaners and additives are used during the winter months here in WI. Generally the no ethanol stations don't have the same ratios, causing a difference. You people out west/down south don't know the 1/2 of it, you got it nice as far as gas goes. I've never seen a reported 32-34 MPG Protege5 from this area, as so many other people claim across the country. You also pulled your data from a bio energy government site, of course it is going to promote the use of ethanol.

protofish, I doubt they were changed at 30k like they should have been. As for the brakes, check your rear calipers, they have been known to bind/lock up on certain runs of the P5, causing premature pad wear/constant contact. I'd keep an eye on oil consumption after taking a 2nd look at the plugs. You might want to consult one of those sites that has pictures of plugs and signs of problems to verify.

 

[Protege52003]

I just got done changing the plugs. They looked like s***, see pics. Schoepp changed the oil and the air filter. Tire pressure is good. I'm sure the alignment is on. Are the brakes that much of an issue with this car? I have noticed that when I let off of the gas, it slows down quicker than what I'm used to in an auto. I think this is how it is geared?

yeah, our plugs get messed up pretty quick with our rich a/f ratio. yours look like they have been there for a while. sure everything you did to your car should increase the milage......

get yourself a lightweight flywheel installed to fix your car slowing down when off gas.......

-R